Barcelona, Spain

One of the areas in Catalonia where house prices have surged is the Barcelona metropolitan area, with Castelldefels emerging as one of the region's most sought-after and expensive towns. Single-family homes and spacious layouts dominate the local housing stock, pushing average property transaction values above those of Barcelona's typically smaller apartments. Depending on the area, residential property prices in Castelldefels can range between €4,000 and €5,000 per square metre.

Pedralbes is one of Barcelona’s most expensive residential neighbourhoods, with spacious homes, leafy streets and a considerably quieter pace than the centre.

If you visit Barcelona’s coastline, you’ll find everything from fully equipped urban beaches to quieter stretches surrounded by nature. In 2026, the province has 39 Blue Flag beaches, the international award recognising water quality, safety and environmental management.

Turning 21 is a funny milestone.

Barcelona is set to gain a major new green space – with La Sagrera park expected to transform the city’s urban landscape over the next five years. Covering 36 hectares and stretching four kilometres, it will become the largest park in the Catalan capital, twice the size of Ciutadella. Often compared to New York’s Central Park, the project will anchor the wider redevelopment linked to the future La Sagrera station.

In the heart of Catalonia, a narrow tongue of rock rises vertically amid forests, supporting the remains of a unique medieval fortress.

Disconnecting and stepping back in time is closer than you might think.

Barcelona does not approach Sant Joan quietly.

Barcelona is fully prepared to welcome Pope Leo XIV for one of the most significant visits in recent years.

One of Spain's sunny cities has just been ranked among the most balanced and well-run urban environments in the world.

Catalonia is already gearing up with roses, books and bustling streets to celebrate Sant Jordi’s Day 2026, one of the most emblematic and beloved festivals on the Catalan calendar.

Barcelona's rental market is increasingly fragmented, making "normal" housing hard to find. According to Amat Immobiliaris' 2025 report, supply is polarising: large flats for high earners and small flats are both on the rise, whilst the most sought-after middle ground – medium-sized flats – is all but disappearing.

Panoramic views, vast square footage and a price tag to match – the most expensive penthouse currently for sale in Barcelona is listed at €7 million in one of the city's most exclusive neighbourhoods: Pedralbes, where average property prices reach €8,761 per square metre. The residence features two large terraces, the upper of which is home to its crowning glory: a private swimming pool.

One of Spain's most romantic festivals takes place in Barcelona on 23 April. This special day honours Catalonia's patron saint, Sant Jordi, known to many as Saint George. It also coincides with World Book Day.

Catalonia’s Parliament has approved a major increase to the tourist tax, taking effect from 1st April 2026.

Amid a deepening housing crisis and a shortage of public homes, Barcelona City Council is turning to private landlords with grants of up to €30,000 to renovate empty or dilapidated properties – on the condition they are added to the public rental pool. The scheme aims both to upgrade ageing housing stock and to expand the supply of affordable, below-market rentals.

Barcelona is no longer just expensive; it’s edging into capital-city territory.

Barcelona remains one of Europe’s most talked‑about cities for good reason. Sea on one side, hills on the other, and modernist architecture on nearly every corner.

Barcelona has once again placed housing at the centre of political and social debate. The City Council’s plan to phase out 10,000 tourist accommodation licences by 2028 coincides with the Ministry of Housing ordering digital platforms to remove thousands of listings that fail to meet the new state registry rules. While both measures aim to curb tourist rentals, the sector questions how far they will ease the housing access crisis.

A Spanish city has secured a place in TripAdvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for destinations.

Barcelona has officially been named UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture 2026, a title awarded jointly by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA). It’s not just a shiny label.

Barcelona is a city renowned worldwide for its cultural richness, architecture and Mediterranean lifestyle, yet like any major urban centre, it also has areas with higher levels of crime.According to official data from the Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia's autonomous police force, and citizen security

In just a few years, the number of occupied properties offered for sale has grown sharply. A large proportion are located in Catalonia, where transactions are increasing.

Spain keeps popping up in blockbusters and binge‑worthy series, and half the time people don’t realise they’re looking at Bilbao, Madrid or Jerez rather than London, California or a distant galaxy.

US retail giant TJX Companies has set a date for its Spanish debut. Its European brand, TJ Maxx, will open its first store in Barcelona in spring 2026, kicking off an ambitious expansion across Spain. The store will occupy over 2,100 m² on a single floor in the Diagonal Mar shopping centre.